Navigating New Towns and Cities

One of the features of our Popup Pilgramage is that we stay in places for an extended time. Thus far that has varied from 2 weeks to 2 months (with the exception of when we are en route to our next 'place').

The cities and towns we've stayed in were places we had lived before and have family. That famiarity helps but there is still a period of getting to know these places because things change a lot over time.

One of the difficulties that M.E. Brings into our lives is that a multifaceted discovery process to locate places and services takes extended focus and a certain level of energy investment. Transient cognitive disruption and a small energy reserve makes the process for a seemingly simple task ardous.

Quadruple Backup Heat Sources

In reverse order:

#4

I haven't tried this but we have all the stuff so you can bet if I'm out of propane and have no electricity I will be trying this. 

(I borrowed this photo from a sustainable living forum I follow)

#1-3

Mr Heater Big Buddy Model MH18B propane heater with quick snap adapter for 20 lbs propane tank. Features low oxygen shut off and tip sensor. Has pilot light. 18,000 BTU

Two electric space heaters with rheostats and oscillating base. We have to run these on low or they trip our 30 amp bus.

Electric blankets. I know. I hate it but until we got them we suffered greatly when it got cold - to the point of almost forcing us out of the pilgrimage. With both of us being ill we decided we didn't need that kind of stress. And - they are awesome. We got 2 twins at Walmart just before the cold snap so they were cheaper. In houses I struggle with RF radiation from electrical lines. I'm not noticing a reaction with the electric blanket but I will be monitoring that. 

I've heard of people using heated mattress pads too. They were more expensive than the blankets.

We also have a low heater on our roof air conditioner but we don't use it because all the heat gets lost before it gets to the beds. 

When it is cold we sleep with jackets and hats on and warm Jammie's. 

We have found that fleece blankets make the best sheets because they repel water/condensation & it doesn't soak through to the foam mattresses. 

*This doll is on my bed on my 'woobie' that my mom made. It makes a great 'sheet' in the popup

We tuck our coats, sweaters and extra towels around the tent walls around the bed. This limits drafts and provides insulation. Our popup has vinyl around the bed so it gets cold!

I bought fleece blankets from the thrift stores to line the tent when it is cold. They are not the perfect solution. I think leather or even insulated curtains would be better. 

Other than the doll I'm not endorsing the products above. I do invite you to visit my advertisers. 

That gorgeous doll was my birthday present from Walt! I love her!! She was handcrafted by Janice Taylor at Milberry Cottage in Orem, Utah. 

Thank you for stopping in!

Popup Pros & Cons: Reality Check

So you're thinking about buying a camper? You are at the section where you are exploring the popup option? Welcome! 

Popup campers are a niche market. In a general sense I believe the niche is formed for 3 basic reasons:

1- Economic - this includes initial investment but also includes long term storage strategy

2- Trailering & Towing 

3- Light use expectations

I know there are more reasons but upon analysis I believe the bulk fall under these above. The reasons people keep popups long term are much different. If you venture into taking your popup into a wide variety of camping situations you will begin to understand why. There can be nothing but a sense of amazement as to the adaptibility of the popup concept and the sense of satisfaction when that fully functioning shelter situation transforms to a neat, compact box on wheels. 

The vast number of camper people I've run into owned a popup camper sometime in the past. It's interesting too that many appear to have fond memories of that time but they also don't hide for a second they love their current camper WAY more. 

Our decision to buy a popup was economic. Our decision to live in the popup has been economic - not that we MUST live in it because we have no other options - but what has evolved is that each experience layers itself one upon another and continues to weave itself

into a rich, complex, and interesting experience base. In the end though it comes down to one surprising benefit:

I sleep like a baby on that plywood bed with 3 eggshell mattress toppers on it. I lie down every night and the first thought is 'Damn this is Hard. I'm never going to fall asleep.' Over and over I wake up 4 hours later to pee absolutely surprised - shocked. When I climb back into bed I say the same thing and then I wake up 3-4 hours later. If sleep comes easy to you you won't get this. If it doesn't you will. 

The overall Pros:

-Much less exposure to RF radiation

-Being able to experience the transitions from light to dark to light in a complete way

-Being able to experience outside temperatures at a visceral level

(The sleep, light and temperature components are all factors that help my body remember how to function at an instinctual level)

-Forces many household activities outside 

Cons

-Difficulty handling extreme temperatures & weather - especially wind. 

-Upper storage inside is limited & must be able to be stowed & flattened

-Forces many outside activities outside

The lists are not complete because every day I learn something. If you have any you'd like to add please leave a comment!

Copyright (c) - Chardale Irvine 2015. All rights reserved.